Apparatus to loosen compounds, especially molding-and core sands for foundries

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for treating a material such as foundry sand to maintain the same in a loose condition for various treatments such as preparation, cooling or transporting the same including a container for the material having a sidewall portion with vibrating means operatively associated with the container to swing the sidewall portion generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the container in rotational vibrations of an amplitude and frequency such that the material within the container moves away from the sidewall portion to define an annular space between the material and the sidewall.

United States Patent Inventor Dietmar Boenisch Haselsteig ll, Aachen, Germany Appl. No. 711,296 Filed Mar. 7, 1968 Patented Mar. 30, 1971 Priority Mar. 10, 1967 Germany B91549 APPARATUS TO LOOSEN COMPOUNDS, ESPECIALLY MOLDING-AND CORE SANDS FOR FOUNDRIES 24 Claims, 18 Drawing Figs.

US. Cl 259/174, 259/2, 259/72 Int. Cl. B28c 5/18 Field of Search 259/174, 175, 173, 178, 179, (Vibrator Mech.), 54, 72, 75, 78, 79, 80, 29, 12

[56] References Cited UNIT ED STATES PATENTS 2,143,610 l/l939 Muller 259/72 2,518,636 8/1950 Phillips 259/82 2,637,625 5/1953 Garbo 259/72 2,840,923 7/1958 Behrens..... 259/72X 2,882,024 4/1959 Behrens..... 259/72X 3,278,081 10/1966 Carter 259/72X' 3,286,939 1 l/ 1966 Karpenko 259/54X Primary Examiner-Robert W. Jenkins Attorney-Holman, Glascock, Downing and Seebold ABSTRACT: Apparatus for treating a material such as foundry sand to maintain the same in a loose condition for various treatments such as preparation, cooling or transporting the same including a container for the material having a sidewall portion with vibrating means operatively associated with the container to swing the sidewall portion generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the container in rotational vibrations of an amplitude and frequency such that the material within the container moves away from the sidewall portion to define an annular space between the material and the sidewall.

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APPARATUS TO LOOSEN COMPOUNDS, ESPECIALLY MOLDING-AND CORE SANDS FOR FOUNDRIES Compounds, particularly granular molding materials, have in containers, which are in a state of rest, only little flowability. If, for instance, a pressure is brought up on a loose quantity of molding material, it is compressed, that means, the density of the molding material increases. The device for compression somewhat presses into the mixture, but even under high pressure it cannot penetrate through it. This lack of flowability is mainly caused by a certain stickiness of the compound, which squeezes under load and then forms a body of relatively high strength.

A pronounced state of looseness is highly necessary in the treatment of compounds, for instance for preparation, for cooling and pneumatic molding sand transport from the preparation machine to the place moldor core-making.

Mixing, that means homogenization of the different components, is a distinctive characteristic of the molding sand preparation. A continuous state of looseness facilitates a quick and effective mixing. The single particles of the material are able to move easily in an uninterrupted irregular, three-dimensional way. In conventional preparation machines this state of looseness of the mixed material is achieved by special tools, which are moved through the mixture by a relatively small filling rate of the machines or by special sand-slingers or by other means. Sand cooling devices work particularly effectively with loose compounds because of the good streaming possibilities for the cooling air through the mixture. For purposes of pneumatic sand transport the ready prepared compound is filled in so-called transmitters, are loosened by an injection of compressed air and then shot into the pipelines leading to the receivers. Mixtures, which are in an insufficient state of looseness, obstruct the pipelines at once. These examples demonstrate the high importance of the looseness of a compound during treatment, especially for low or high plastic mixtures. Modern preparation machines have firstly the disadvantage of a low rate of efficiency, because their effective capacity in relation to the total volume of the mixer is low. In most cases it is not higher than about percent. In those slow rotating preparation machines high filling rates are not tolerable to avoid the so-called pushing of the sand during preparation. The kneading action of the mixmuller-rolls counteracts thispushing" by squeezing the mixture between the rolls at the bottom of the mixer, which only at low filling rates of the machines is possible. Furthermore, molding sand can be prepared in quick-rotating sand mixers as well, in which the inertia of the compound is utilized for the change of place of the particles. The mixing tools drag through the mixture, which is kept in suspense by a very quick movement of the mixing tools. In this case the adhering of the mixture to the container of the mixing aggregate is of little importance.

The required space for conventional mixers is high, as well as the power demand for movement of considerable machine parts in relation to the efficiency of the preparation itself. During one rotation of the mixer only that part of the mixture is prepared, which is gripped by the mixing tools. This quantity normally is relatively low in relation to the total quantity within the mixeruA good sand preparation results in good molding sand properties without remarkable change in grain size distribution of the compound. Consequently many rotations of the sand mixer, respectively a long preparation time, are necessary. On the other hand the time for discharging the mixer, is high, because it depends on the number of rotations of the mixer tools or the mixer itself. So necessarily the mixer runs idle for a relatively long time. Furthermore preparation machines used so far undergo a relatively high abrasion.

The primary object of this invention is to avoid the disadvantages of the common mixers and to build a device, which, at the same time, can be used as a preparation unit and as a cooling device, especially for cooling molding sands and as a unit for the transport of molding sands. Consequently it is proposed that the side of the container used for treatment swings quickly and it is further proposed, that within this swinging container further mixing devices like mixing impellers, mixing paddles or kneading rollers are arranged which preferably move themselves and which are provided with numerous openings for air-exit.

The inventive device enables, to keep even high plastic molding materials in nearly completely filled treatment-container (preparation machine, cooling device, pneumatic transmitter etc. during treatment for any length of time in a state of looseness without using any special tools. The particular advantage of the invention is the possibility to treat the mixture in only one container whereas up to now different machines have been necessary. The inventive device, for instance, at the same time can work as sand preparation machine, cooling plant for hot molding sands and as transmitter for the pneumatic or core of molding or core sands. The efficiency of these devices is very high, the construction is simple and they are cheap. Power consumption, required space and abrasion are small.

Some drawings attached are to explain some examples for use of the invention. Further examples covered by this invention are possible. The figures are explained as follows:

FIG. 1 is a vertical section through a device according to this invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view thereof;

FIG. 3 illustrates the mechanism of the preparation by a swinging container side;

FIGS. 4 and 5 a further representation of the preparation;

FIG. 6 is a vertical section through a mixing container consisting of two cylinders one within the other;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the mixing container of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a mixing container with additional kneading and mixing tools;

FIG. 9 is a vertical section through a mixing container such as shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a vertical section through a modified arrange ment, of mixing tools within a treatment container;

FIG. 11 is a vertical section through yet another modified device;

FIG. 12 is a horizontal section through an arrangement like FIG. 11, along line XVIII-XVIII of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the registration unit showing part of a mixing container;

FIG. 14 is a vertical section through a container consisting of two tubes;

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the device of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a vertical section through a mixing container consisting of two tubes in modified arrangement;

FIGS. 17 and 18 are vertical sections through modified mixing devices;

According to FIG. 1 the device for preparation of compounds, especially molding sands or core sands for foundries, consist of a mixing container 10, with an even bottom 11. The container is fixed on springs 12, which rest on supports 13 or the like. On the bottom 11 of the mixing container an inductor for the swinging action is attached, which can be an electric motor 14, fixed to a support 15. The driven shaft 16 of the electric motor 14 bears an unbalance weight 17, which brings the mixing container 10 into a circular swinging action along a circular line B, that is indicated in FIG. 2. The mixing container 10, which is attached to springs in a standing or hanging position, thus performs no rotating movement around its longer axes, but the side 19 swings on a circumference depending on the rotating direction of the unbalance motor, so that a point A, imagined on the inner surface of the side of the mixing container, swings according to line B. The number of rotations of point A corresponds with the number of rotations, of the unbalance. The diameter of this circular movement and thus the speed of the moving point A increases with the weight of the unbalance. Revolutions per minute of the driving motor and thus those of the unbalance 17 of about 700 to 1500 revolutions andswinging amplitudes of the container side between T0 and 30 mm brought good practical results.

A molding material 20 is turned round inside the container by the rotating swinging mixer side 19 in direction of arrow 1C, if the unbalance moves in direction B. If the electric motor turns in the opposite direction, the material inside the container turns in the opposite direction as well.

The state of looseness of the compound obtained by this invention is reached by a quick swinging, preferably by a rotating swinging of the treatment container 10, which is demonstrated in FIG. 4 schematically. In a vigorous swinging container 10 all the mixture, 20, owing to its inertia, stands nearly freely and is kept in suspension state by short-timed jolts, which are exerted from continuously changing directions by the swinging container side 10 onto the mixture, 20. Presupposition for this very loose state of suspense of the mixture 20 is the transgress of a distinctive critical number of swings of the container 10, at which compound 20 starts to separate from the inner surface of the side of the container and remains standing freely under the action of its inertia in a state of looseness and acts practically like a more or less though liquid. Objects, which are laid on mixture 20, under their own weight sink through the mass easily down to the bottom of the container.

FIG. 5 depicts schematically in a view from above a swinging container with a diameter 2r The side 10 of the container is in touch with compound at the moment Z1 with the surface F1, at the moment Z2 with the surface with the surface FS and at the moment 23 with the surface Z3, while the by far greatest part of the mixture stands upright, untouched and freely. These three action shots are examples only out of a continuously working operation. Thus compound 20 has a diameter 2r,, the maximum of the width of the split between container said 10 and the mixture is 2r -2r,. The outer diameter of the swinging circle of the container side is 2a,. This system operates vertically as well as horizontally or in an inclined position.

This state of suspense, which is obtained by the devices of the invention, can be used for the treatment of compounds in an excellent manner. For the mixing of molding materials, for instance, mixing tools can be turned easily through the mixture with high efficiency. The compaction of the material, which in turning direction occurs in front of the mixing tools, is cancelled at once, because of the ability of the material to turn aside in nearly any direction, as a consequence of its state of suspense. Behind the tools the mixture flows together at once. So the tools cannot dig out of the mixture, which would minimize the preparation efficiency. Shape and size of the mixing tools can be different. They can be used in a greater number and, according to the quantity of the treated material, can be arranged on one or more shafts. Especially the container can be long and filled up to its brim.

The revolutions per minute of compound 20 increase with the revolutions of the unbalance or any other drive for the swinging action of the container and increase with decreasing diameter of the mixing container. revolutions per minute of the mixture, for instance, are reached in a mixing container with 300 mm. diameter at 900 revolutions per minute of the motor drive. The power, which turns the material, increases with the weight of the unbalance and with increasing friction between the inner surface of the container side and the molding material. The adhesiveness to the inner surface of the side of the container 19 has great importance for the preparation of plastic molding materials. Clay-bound molding sands, for instance, adhere to a coarsely-machined metallic surface of the container side, consisting of steel or gray iron, relatively strongly. However, sticking molding materials can adhere to the container side so strongly, that they do not separate any longer and reduce the working diameter of the container. In this case it is necessary to turn a stripper inside the container, which is simply driven by the rotating mixture 20. The stripper can be a metallic frame 18, which fits loosely into the container and keeps its inner side and the bottom clean by its turning action. The stripper is shown in FIG. 2.

In most cases, even with strongly adhering molding mixtures, a local coating at the most endangered parts of the container is sufficient to avoid adherence. A local coating 21 is shown in FIG. 1.

In case, the inner surface of the container side is coated totally with plastic, rubber or the like, it could be necessary, to arrange transport fillets at the inner surface of the side 19, which guarantees a strong drive to the mixture, to avoid the mixture sliding at the coating.

One advantage reached by the invention is the strongly induced movement of the material another one is the continuous state of looseness, in which the material is kept by the high frequent strokes, exerted on the mass from revolving directions. At low r.p.i. of the drive the mixture sticks tightly to the container side and follows the movement of the container, At a certain higher r.p.i. the material starts to separate from the container side and turns round.

Between container side and the mixture a split arises, which continuously opens and shuts. The width of the split increases with increasing r.p.i. of the drive and with increasing swinging amplitude of the container according to the inertia of the mixture The fast swinging container side upsets the molding material by high speed strokes from continuously changing directions, whilst the molding material is touched by the container side only at a relatively small part of its circumference for very short time intervals.

The movement and mobility of the molding material is highly important for sand preparation. Especially the state of looseness facilitates mixing and in combination with the induced rotation results in an extraordinary high mixing efficiency. Furthermore, the efficiency according to the inventive method is extremely high, because here all of the mixture is continuously worked. The uninterrupted upset of the mixture from all sides results in a strong kneading effect, which especially in highly plastic clay bound molding sands leads to a good and fast preparation and during short preparation time to high strength, good plasticity and advantageous permeability.

The cylindrical shape of the mixing container, demonstrated in FIG. 1, preferably results in a horizontal mixing motion, that is indicated in FIG. 3. As a consequence, the vertical mixing efficiency is reduced. An optimal mixing effectivity is reached by superimposing horizontal and vertical mixing motions.

According to FIG. 6 the mixing container consists of two cylinders 24 and 25, which are rigidly fixed together. Using this construction, the molding material works between the sides of both cylinders 24 and 25. The molding material is driven by both sides in opposite directions, by which opposite motions of different speed in different sand layers are induced inside the mixture. According to FIG. 6 the inner mixing cylinder 25 should be separated from the bottom 11a of the outer mixing container leaving a circular split. The inner cylinder 25 can be used as conveyor for the molding material. The mixture rotates in this cylinder faster than in the outer one, so that the material screws from the tube 25 through the ring split into the space between both cylinders and mixes simultaneously.

According to the invention all constructions of the different types of mixing containers can be used alone or in combination with each other. A single container like FIG. 1, or several mixing containers may be annexed to one swinging source.

According to FIG. 8 to FIG. 12, it is suggested to enlarge the mixing and kneading intensity by the addition of mixing paddles, stirring wings, kneading rolls or other mixing tools 27, 27a, 2712, or 27c, arranged in the mixing container.

The kneading action is enhanced by pressing the molding material between these tools and the swinging container side. According to FIG. 9, these tools 270 can be fastened tightly to the container bottom or in another way, so that no self-rotation is exercised. Either parts of the tools, connected to the container side, can be elastically attached or all of the tools can consist of elastic steel. An intensive preparation, especially of clay-bound molding sands, can be reached by S- shaped mixing and kneading tools, depicted in FIG. 8. These tools 270 advantageously can be attached at different heights within the mixing container as proposed in FIG. 9. According to FIG. the mixing and kneading tools 27b are fastened to a special support 2E installed above the mixer.

According to FIG. ill, the additional mixing and kneading tools 270 can be agitated by its own drive, for instance an elec' tric motor, operating over cogwheels 30 or the like the mixing and kneading tools 27a. Their direction of rotation is preferably opposite to the direction of rotation of the molding material. This measure guarantees even for highly plastic molding materials, which normally can be prepared only with difficulty, an intensive mixing and kneading effect. A compact mixer of this type would operate absolutely ineffectively with a resting mixture, that means without swinging movement of the container. In this case the agitation of the tools would push great quantities of the mass unmixed through the container, or the tools would dig themselves out of the mixture and rotate ineffectively through it. Only by the inventive device an attained state of looseness of the mixture guarantees a decisive preparation affect. The strong rotating operation of the mixture, induced by the swinging container, is locked by the opposite rotation of the mixing tools 27, and can come to an absolute standstill or even can be forced in the turning direction of the mixing tools themselves. The power, which is necessary to break the rotating action of the mixture is transposed into valuable preparation energy, responsible for good properties of the molding material. I

This principle of operation of the mixer presupposes a strong rotating power of the mixed material, which can be attaihed by different devices, for instance, by attaching transport fillets to the side of the mixing container. Furthermore, the energy of the swinging drive should be great enough to deliver a great amount of energy through the mixing tools on to the compound. I

Number and shape of the mixing tools and their agitating speed are to adapt to the rotating power of the molding material, to reach an optimum mixing effect. In this device mixing tools can preferably consist of elastic steel as well in order to yield to the swinging container and to knead the material between it and the elastic blades.

FIG. 12 indicates with arrow 31 the direction of rotation of the material and with arrow 32 the opposite direction of rotation of the mixing blades 270, which are driven by motor 29.

The inventive device permits measurement of the molding sand properties continuously during the preparation in a simple manner. Thus before unloading the preparation machine, molding sand properties can be corrected during preparation, for instance by changing the clay or water content of the mixture.

According to FIG. 13 the air-split 33 between the molding material and the container side 19, which opens and shuts with high speed can be used as a spot for measurement itself. This split acts like an air-pump, which sucks and blows. Dry, under-tempered molding sands, tend to purl and stick together only weakly, so that sand grains are continuously torn out of the wall of such a dry molding sand block and consequently are blown out of split 33.

A device 34 collects these grains and turns them around, the grains pass a groove 35 and flow into a container 36. The concentration of the blown-out sand stream and the quantity of the sand collected in the container 36 is a measure for the moldability of the sand and can be registrated quantitatively by mechanical, electronic or other devices. Water has to be added to clay-bound sands, until this sand-stream minimizes, respectively ceases. The concentration of the sandstream is proportional to the moldability index and can be changed under its control.

A further possibility to measure the strength and binding capacity of the mixture is given by registration of the torsional moment of the mixing and kneading tools described in FIG. 8 to FIG. 11. This torsional moment increases with increasing strength of binding capacity to the mixture, which can be achieved, for instance, by increasing dispersion of the clay during preparation or by increasing clay content. Furthermore small separate tracers can be installed in the mixer, which continuously dip into the sand and measure the pressure exerted by the agitated molding material as a value for the binding capacity. The measured impulses can be used as regulating impulses for the automatization of the sand preparation machine in order to control the addition of binding agent, water or other material.

All mixing units described heretofore are batch-type mixers for intermittent service. The following describes the application of the inventive concepts to continuously working flowtype mixers. High capacity and adaptability of a continuously working molding sand preparation is especially preferable for foundry use. The inventive devices are relatively small, because of the possibility of using the entire volume of the mixing container and the high speed of the preparation in contrast to conventional mixing aggregates. The inventive devices are unpretentious and low in initial and maintenance costs.

A flow-type mixer in its most simple design consists of a swinging mixer tube. FIG. 14 depicts a double mixer with double production capacity by parallel connection. The mixing tubes 37 and 38 are connected rigidly with each other and with a swinging impulse, which is not separately depicted in FIG. 14. Because of this long mixing system the drive can preferably be an unbalance shaft 39, which is connected to an electric motor 14 with an elastic connecting piece as depicted in FIG. 16. Unbalance shafts are able to induce equal swinging amplitudes all over the long mixing containers.

The double pipes according to FIG. 14 are suspended on springs 12 in the same way as depicted in FIG. .16. The lower end of the mixing container is closed by a cone 41. Other blocking systems are conveyor belts or other discharging devices adjustable for regulating speed or quantity of discharge. A belt conveyor 42 transports the raw materials, passing a turning station 43, either in mixing tubes 37 or 38, or in both of them at the same time. The molding material moves in a spiral line during continuous preparation in the mixing tubes downwards, as depicted, and discharges past an adjustable discharging element 41. Preparation time is adjustable over passage-time and speed of discharge. A belt conveyor 44 transports the sand to the molding or coremaking machines.

According to FIG. 15 the unbalance shaft is arranged in the plane of symmetry of both mixing cylinders, but can be installed in another place as well. FIG. 16 depicts a continuously working flow-type mixer, working with the principal of communieating tubes. Two cylinders 37a and 38a are rigidly connected. Both tubes are closed at their lower end 45 and 46 but have a joint opening 47, so that they are connected in series. Tube 38a is longer than tube 37a. The raw materials flow into tube 38a and in a spiral line downwards, through the opening 47 in tube 37amoving here in a spiral line upwards and passing an overlfow-level to discharge. This principal of communicating tubes is possible by the inventive state of looseness even of highly plastic molding materials by swinging action of the mixing container. The compound behaves like a liquid. Zones of different pressure within this preparation device act especially advantageously, caused by the weight of the molding sand in this long container. The kneading action is in its lower part higher than in the upper region. The mixture passes on its way through the mixer first a mixing zone with low pressure, than regions with higher pressures and finally a loosening zone, so that the compacted mixture is aerated to an excellent workable condition. A special rubbing device attached to the discharge end grinds remaining modules and little lumps as indicated in FIG. 15. Parts of this rubbing device may be, for in stance, a perforated element 48 in connection with a roller plate 49 on top. By the swinging of the mixing container a vibrating screen is obtained.

The very simple and sturdy construction of all these swingmixers allows further applications. Thus mixing containers for instance, can be heated to fluidize resins and to bind silica sands therewith. Furthermore an airstream can be blown through the loosened molding sand mixture during preparation, in order to cool hot foundry sands at the same time. According to FIG. 16 in the bottoms 45 and 46 of the mixing tube 37a and 38a openings 56 for air inlet are provided.

It can be difficult to introduce dusty components, like, for instance, ground bentonite, coal dust, concrete, or others. Sometimes they might be blown out of the air-split between mixer side and mixture partly. It is therefore recommendable to introduce dusts using special changing-tubes like 57 in FIG. 16. By another measure dusts can be suspended in water before use and brought in as a suspension.

FIG. 17 for example depicts a batch-type mixer in compact construction with three mixer shafts 55 and, attached to them, several mixing tools 27d in different heights. The mixing shafts 55 are hollow tubes with openings for air outlet 56a, the same being present in hollow mixing tools 27d. The cooling air leaves the mixer, passing the ring-split between container side and mixture. A further example for the use of the inventive device is the axial mixer according to FIG. 18, in which mixing tools 27e move like pistons in a cylinder axial back and forth.

The mixture is continuously forced through the splits between the side of container to the mixing tools 272 as well as through the louvers 57a in the mixing tools themselves and reaches a very high preparation quality. Mixing tools are preferably isolated against the connection-rod by using special bumping apparatus 58.

This invention is not restricted to the application of the described elements. Different single elements can be combined to use in this way the advantages of different types of swing mixers in one device.

Iclaim:

1. An apparatus for preparing, cooling or transporting a material, particularly a molding material for foundries, comprising a container for such material, said container having a longitudinal, vertically extending, axis and including a generally continuous container sidewall, vibrating means operatively associated with said container to swing said sidewall generally perpendicularly to said axis in rotational vibrations of an amplitude and frequency such that the material within said container moves away from said sidewall to define an annular space between the material and said sidewall.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said vibration means swings said sidewall in vibrations of an amplitude of about to about 30 mm.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said container consists of two tubes, one connected concentrically within the other.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the outer of said tubes includes a bottom and the inner of said tubes has one end spaced from said bottom.

5. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said container consists of a tube longer than its diameter.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said tube has opposite open ends one of which acts as a discharge for the material within said container, means operatively associated with said discharge end for selectively closing a portion thereof to provide a variable cross section for discharge.

7. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said container includes at least two tubes arranged side by side, with a joint opening communicating between said tubes at one end of each, at their lower ends, means for feeding the material into t \eopposite end of one of said tubes, said one tube being longer than the other of said tubes.

8. Apparatus according to claim 7 wherein openings for the inlet of compressed air are provided in said tubes at said one ends thereof.

9. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said container includes a bottom and at least said bottom is equipped with a lining of a material which minimizes any tendency of the material within said container to adhere thereto.

10. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the Inner surface of said sidewall is roughened in order to reinforce the friction drive between said sidewall and the material within said container.

11. Apparatus according to claim 1 further including a frame in an upright position inserted in said container loosely, said frame having outer surfaces in contact with the inner surface of said sidewall to stop any of the material from adhering to said sidewall.

12. Apparatus according to claim 1 further including elastic means supporting said container, said vibration means includ ing a rotating unbalance.

13. Apparatus according to claim 12 wherein said rotating unbalance extend over at least the major portion of the length of said container.

14. Apparatus according to claim 12 wherein said container comprises at least two rigidly connected tubes having opposite open ends, said rotating unbalance being in the axis or plane of symmetry between said tubes and being connected by a flexible shaft to a motor drive therefor.

15. Apparatus according to claim 1 further including within said container additional mixing means.

16. Apparatus according to claim 15 wherein said additional mixing means are driven in a direction of rotation opposite to the direction of rotation of the material within said container induced by the swinging of said sidewall.

17. Apparatus according to claim 15 wherein said mixing means includes a hollow shaft equipped with air outlets for the purpose of introduction of cooling air or transport air into the material within said container.

18. Apparatus according to claim 15 wherein said mixing means includes a plurality of plate-shaped members arranged at different levels within said container, said members being perforated, and reciprocating means operatively associated with said mixing means to move said members back and forth in the direction of said axis.

19. Apparatus according to claim 15 wherein said mixing means is elastic or is elastically supported.

20. Apparatus according to claim 15 further including means for the simultaneous measurement of the properties of the material within said container, said last-mentioned means including a device for the registration of the torsional moment or the compressional stress encountered by said mixing means.

21. Apparatus according to claim 20 further including a tracer means within said container operatively associated with said device for the registration of the torsional moment or the compressional stress encountered by said mixing means, and means for feeding additives to the material within said container in response to variations of the properties registered by said tracer.

22. Apparatus according to claim 15 wherein said additional mixing means include terminal portions juxtaposed to said sidewall of said container, said terminal portions and said sidewall forming a wedge-shaped slit, the cross section of which decreases in the rotational direction of said material.

23. Apparatus according to claim 22 wherein said additional mixing means is S-shaped in horizontal cross section.

24. Apparatus according to claim 1 further including means for the simultaneous measurement of the properties of the material within said container, said sidewall including an upper rim, a turning device positioned over a portion of said rim, particles of the material within said container being blown out of the space between said sidewall and the material and into contact with said turning device, and a garland-curb and a registration unit for the quantitative measurement of the particles which are blown out. 

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said vibration means swings said sidewall in vibrations of an amplitude of about 10 to about 30 mm.
 3. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said container consists of two tubes, one connected concentrically within the other.
 4. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the outer of said tubes includes a bottom and the inner of said tubes has one end spaced from said bottom.
 5. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said container consists of a tube longer than its diameter.
 6. Apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said tube has opposite open ends one of which acts as a discharge for the material within said container, means operatively associated with said discharge end for selectively closing a portion thereof to provide a variable cross section for discharge.
 7. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said container includes at least two tubes arranged side by side, with a joint opening communicating between said tubes at one end of each, at their lower ends, means for feeding the material into the opposite end of one of said tubes, said one tube being longer than the other of said tubes.
 8. Apparatus according to claim 7 wherein openings for the inlet of compressed air are provided in said tubes at said one ends thereof.
 9. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said container includes a bottom and at least said bottom is equipped with a lining of a material which minimizes any tendency of the material within said container to adhere thereto.
 10. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the inner surface of said sidewall is roughened in order to reinforce the friction drive between said sidewall and the material within said container.
 11. Apparatus according to claim 1 further including a frame in an upright position inserted in said container loosely, said frame having outer surfaces in contact with the inner surface of said sidewall to stop any of the material from adhering to said sidewall.
 12. Apparatus according to claim 1 further including elastic means supporting said container, said vibration means including a rotating unbalance.
 13. Apparatus according to claim 12 wherein said rotating unbalance extend over at least the major portion of the length of said container.
 14. Apparatus according to claim 12 wherein said container comprises at least two rigidly connected tubes having opposite open ends, said rotating unbalance being in the axis or plane of symmetry between said tubes and being connected by a flexible shaft to a motor drive therefor.
 15. Apparatus according to claim 1 further including withiN said container additional mixing means.
 16. Apparatus according to claim 15 wherein said additional mixing means are driven in a direction of rotation opposite to the direction of rotation of the material within said container induced by the swinging of said sidewall.
 17. Apparatus according to claim 15 wherein said mixing means includes a hollow shaft equipped with air outlets for the purpose of introduction of cooling air or transport air into the material within said container.
 18. Apparatus according to claim 15 wherein said mixing means includes a plurality of plate-shaped members arranged at different levels within said container, said members being perforated, and reciprocating means operatively associated with said mixing means to move said members back and forth in the direction of said axis.
 19. Apparatus according to claim 15 wherein said mixing means is elastic or is elastically supported.
 20. Apparatus according to claim 15 further including means for the simultaneous measurement of the properties of the material within said container, said last-mentioned means including a device for the registration of the torsional moment or the compressional stress encountered by said mixing means.
 21. Apparatus according to claim 20 further including a tracer means within said container operatively associated with said device for the registration of the torsional moment or the compressional stress encountered by said mixing means, and means for feeding additives to the material within said container in response to variations of the properties registered by said tracer.
 22. Apparatus according to claim 15 wherein said additional mixing means include terminal portions juxtaposed to said sidewall of said container, said terminal portions and said sidewall forming a wedge-shaped slit, the cross section of which decreases in the rotational direction of said material.
 23. Apparatus according to claim 22 wherein said additional mixing means is S-shaped in horizontal cross section.
 24. Apparatus according to claim 1 further including means for the simultaneous measurement of the properties of the material within said container, said sidewall including an upper rim, a turning device positioned over a portion of said rim, particles of the material within said container being blown out of the space between said sidewall and the material and into contact with said turning device, and a garland-curb and a registration unit for the quantitative measurement of the particles which are blown out. 